CUBS BITS

Late-inning role doesn't put Pagan on defensive

July 30, 2007|BY PAUL SULLIVAN

CINCINNATI — Angel Pagan knows his value to the Cubs is to be a late-inning defensive replacement for Cliff Floyd and an occasional starter.

"That's [my] role right now," he said. "One at-bat, or maybe two in a game, and play good defense. I try to power-shag at all three [outfield] positions just in case I play, and just try to keep myself loose during the game."

Pagan got a rare start against a right-hander on Sunday and chipped in with a two-run single in the ninth.

With the Cubs scheduled to face three left-handers during the upcoming homestand in the Phillies' Cole Hamels and Jamie Moyer, and the Mets' Tom Glavine, the switch-hitting outfielder may get a few more at-bats while Jacque Jones sits.

Pagan is a made-for-Wrigley hitter, with a .309 career average with seven home runs and 28 RBIs in 152 at-bats at home, an average of one RBI every 5.4 at-bats. On the road, Pagan is hitting .217 with two home runs and 11 RBIs in 152 at-bats, averaging an RBI for every 13.8 at-bats.

While the Cubs may have an inexperienced bench, it's as versatile as it's been in some time.

"We have speed, we've got power," Pagan said. "The bench is still the same, and when Daryle Ward comes back we're going to have more power."

Pagan hopes to be able to show manager Lou Piniella he can be an everyday player in 2008.

"I'd love to, but it's their decision," he said. "Anything they want to give me, I'll take it."

Pat's back

Pat Hughes returned to the Cubs' radio booth on WGN-AM Sunday after missing three games with what he called a "nasty virus."

"I'm back among the living," Hughes said. "I'm not 100 percent but good enough to go. It's my daughter's 18th birthday, so I wanted to work today and go home and see her."

Hughes' 18-year streak of 1,896 consecutive games broadcasting the Brewers and the Cubs is officially history.

Extra innings

Kerry Wood, on what it feels like to be 30: "I never thought about that until I had a guy in Peoria say he used to watch me when he was like 11. That's the first time I'd heard that. I told him to beat it." ... Monday's game starts at 6:05 p.m.